DIFC Academy Collaborates with Cisco to Launch Talent Development Programme

DIFC Academy, the educational arm of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has joined forces with tech giant Cisco to launch a talent development program that aims to upskill the workforce in the UAE. This collaboration is set to provide DIFC employees and the wider community with access to Cisco Networking Academy, a renowned skills-to-jobs program that focuses on key areas such as cybersecurity, programming, data science, networking, and AI.

The Memorandum of Understanding between DIFC Academy and Cisco marks a significant step towards building a digitally skilled workforce in the region. Alya Al Zarouni, COO at DIFC Authority, emphasized the importance of mastering these tech skills in the finance sector, stating that the collaboration with Cisco will provide professionals with a diverse skill set to navigate the constantly evolving tech landscape.

Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director for the Gulf region at Cisco, highlighted the impact of Cisco Networking Academy in driving digital transformation and meeting the UAE’s vision for a digitized future. Cisco Networking Academy has a proven track record of equipping individuals globally with the necessary knowledge and skills for the digital economy, with a strong female participation rate in the UAE.

Since its inception, DIFC Academy has been at the forefront of fulfilling the learning needs of the financial services industry by offering professional development certifications and higher education courses. The collaboration with Cisco is expected to further enhance career advancement opportunities and solidify Dubai’s reputation as a premier business destination. This partnership underscores the commitment of both organizations to fostering talent development and innovation in the region.